IND vs BAN 2024: Sarfaraz Khan Likely to be Axed from Irani Cup Squad

Following India's convincing 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test match played in Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium last week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not alter the team for the second match. Young Sarfaraz Khan now has an opportunity to rejoin the team. But his time with the contingent might not last as long as planned.

At Green Park in Kanpur, the second Test between Bangladesh and India begins on Friday, September 27. Sarfaraz, who did not make the playing XI in the first Test, may be cut from the team so Mumbai may play against the Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Tuesday, October 1 is when the domestic match is scheduled to start at Lucknow's Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Sarfaraz Khan is out of the squad?

"India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar is adamant that Sarfaraz be released from the main squad so he can play in the Irani Cup, barring any last-minute injuries in the nets or fitness concerns with any of the main batsmen in Team India. In any case, it takes just about an hour to reach Lucknow from Kanpur, thus Sarfaraz can depart for Lucknow even much after the Kanpur Test has begun.” A source was quoted by TOI.

Earlier this year, Sarfaraz made his Test series debut for India against England, which lasted five matches. The 26-year-old had a fantastic outing, averaging fifty and scoring three half-centuries in five innings. Mumbai's batting lineup, which includes players like Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and Musheer Khan, among others, would be strengthened by his inclusion.

Tushar Deshpande, the speedster from Mumbai, is recovering from surgery for injuries to his ankle and knee, therefore he won't be available for selection to participate in the Irani Cup. But Shardul Thakur is anticipated to participate in the one-time match.

According to a source, "It is unlikely that Deshpande will be accessible for the upcoming few months. He will also be absent from the Ranji Trophy's preliminary rounds. He might make a comeback as early as November for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy."

Watch this space for more cricket news.